Welcome to the Best Braid fishing line 2024 buyers guide or as we know it braid wars. As consumers, we are spoilt for choice with the endless volume of braid variations available on the market. Different brands, different sizes, and different budgets cater to all skill levels from beginners to tournament anglers.
BECOME A FISHINGMAD MEMBER AND UNLOCK ACCESS TO
Workshops | Giveaways | Podcasts | Competitions | Reports | Maps | GPS Marks | Rigging Tutorials | Sounder School | Exclusive Footage | Tackle Talks | Gear Guides | Kayak Club | Much More
What is braid?
Braid is a modern type of fishing line that has become very popular in recent years. It’s thinner in diameter than traditional monofilament fishing lines whilst also being high vis with little memory and no stretch which makes it great for lures and soft plastics. Braid is a collection of strands wound tightly into one line. Those strands are made from materials such as polyethylene, dacron, spectra, and Dyneema. These days those strands are woven into 4 or 8 and now even 12 and 16 strands. Typically anglers will run 1-rod length of fluorocarbon leader joined by a knot such as FG or double uni. The fluorocarbon leader is more abrasion resistant, provides some stretch, and is harder for fish to see. The mix of braid and fluro works great in many situations.
Braid has come a long way in recent years. Its popularity has grown immensely and the product itself has become thinner, stronger, and more marketed than ever. But it can also be very confusing for anglers to understand which to buy and for what purpose. We have visited countless tackle stores and trolled through countless manufacturer websites comparing specs. While road testing many braids to really understand and compare the differences. We have considered many things when reviewing the braids on the market. Looking very closely at the following key areas.
- Diameter
- Line strength
- Smoothness
- Volume of fibers
- Casting distance
- Prone to wind knots
- General smoothness
- Subtleness and memory
- PE Rating
- Water absorption
- fading colours and durability
These qualities will give you the best casting distance and accuracy but also the most sensitivity. We have broken down the available braids into ultralight braids typically used for species such as bream, bass, estuary perch, and trout. Mid-tier then through to heavy offshore line used for species such as snapper and kingfish.
Braid Top picks
After testing and using countless braid brands and types over many years here are our recommendations.
- Best all-rounder – Tasline Elite
- Best affordable braid – Daiwa J-Braid Grand, Shimano Kairiki
- Best premium braid – Gosen 16-ply casting, Daiwa Saltiga 12
- Best offshore braid – Tasline Elite, Daiwa Saltiga 12, Shimano Ocea 8 Premium
Best braid 2024
Here is a breakdown of our favourites, their diameter, breaking strains, spool sizes, colours, and much more
Tasline Elite 
- Price – $59 for a 150-meter spool / $89 for a 300-meter spool
- Available strength 8lb PE 0.4 ( 0.100 ), 12lb PE 0.6 ( 0.128 ), 16lb PE 1 ( 0.175 ), 20lb PE 1.7 ( 0.225 ), 30lb PE 3 ( 0.299 ), 40lb PE 3.5 ( 0.317 ), 50lb PE 4 ( 0.332 ), PE 6 60lb ( 0.422 ), 80lb PE 8 ( 0.480 ), 100lb PE 10 ( 0.545 )
- Made and tested in Auz and NZ
Tasline Elite is an excellent choice of braid for anglers. I have personally seen this braid made and tested locally here in Melbourne, taking great note of the pride and quality control in the product manufacturing process. Tasline is one of the few braids on the market that lives up to its true-breaking strain. Many of the braids we have tested break well before their advertised breaking strains but not Tasline. For example, Tasline Elite 16lb braid most commonly breaks with 24lb pressure applied. You can see this across the range in the table below.
White is a great choice of colour making it stand out and easy to see on the water. It’s a great way to see nicks in the line when fish nibble. In our testing on the water with this line it’s thin, subtle, and strong. It’s a good choice for a whole range of techniques whether that be estuary fishing for bream, inshore fishing for snapper, or offshore fishing for kings and Tuna.
Available in meter spools of 150, 300, 400, 450, 600, 1000, and 2000 meters which is a staggering range. Strength includes 8lb, 12lb, 15lb, 20lb, 30lb, 40lb, 50lb, 60lb, 80lb, 100lb. Tasline has developed a great local following for its suppleness, strength, and castability. Tasline Elite White is pure 8-strand, with no coatings or additives, leaving it silky smooth and supple for improved casting distance and extreme fishing like popping and jigging for trophy fish. Together with a proprietary after-braiding process developed by Tasline, this braid is tweaked to optimum performance. Manufactured and tested in small batches, to make sure Tasline Elite White is the best braid available.
This is a great choice that provides a great range of performance and affordability and comes in a great range of sizes and diameters. backed by a 60 day money back guarantee shows that this product is the real deal.
Tasline actual breaking average vs advertised breaking strain. Would love to see this by other brands
Shimano Ocea 8 Premium
- Price – $139 for a 300-meter spool | $149 for a 400-meter spool | $199 for a 500-meter spool
- Available strength 30lb ( PE 1.5 – 0.19 ), 41lb ( PE 2 – 0.2 ), 58lb ( PE 3 – 0.23 ), 73lb ( PE 4 – 0.28 ), 89lb ( PE 5 – 0.315 ), 102lb ( PE 6 – 0.35 ), 137lb ( PE 8 0.42 ), 139lb ( PE 10 – 0.54)
- Made in Japan
Shimano Ocea braid has had a facelift in recent years. Now with thinner diameter and increased breaking strain. It does have a steep price point however it’s a good braid that offers a strong thin line that’s very capable of catching big fish. In our experience, the new braid is very suple and easy to work with but the breaking strain doesn’t always match the advertised breaking strain. We like how they advertise on the packaging what reels it’s best suited for. For example, the PE4 400-meter spool on the packet says this is made for reels like the Stella 14000. Would love to see a bit more simple insight like this. This line works great for chasing offshore bluewater species and the lesser strains for inshore fish species in the bay.
Shimano Ocea 8 Braid is an 8-strand superior braid for the more advanced angler. Yes, the price tags match the pedigree of the product but the benefit of getting it is that it is engineered in Japan and constructed from the highest quality X Filament Izanas fibers, the diameters are now astonishingly thin. The diameter to strength ratio is such that now you can spool many meters more directly onto your spool.
The multi-coloured design allows for an accurate depth gauge, brilliant for jigging and getting the perfect spot in the water column every time. It is also ideal for those casting lures to be confident their return cast is right back into the strike zone. A silky-smooth finish allows it to peel through your guides with minimal friction ensuring casting lengths have improved significantly. A new reel size rating on the box provides a PE-for-reel recommendation. This is a very handy innovation from the engineers at Shimano.
The best feature of all is that you feel everything. Lure to handle to reel, you miss nothing, as the elongation allows for the most delicate touch, even at depth in significant current. Shimano Ocea 8 Braid, for top-shelf only anglers. Purchase a spool and get spooling now with Shimano’s best braid fishing line on the Australian market.
Gosen 16 ply casting braid
- Price – $99 for 150 meter spool
- Available strength PE0.8 20lb 0.153mm, PE1 23lb 0.171mm, PE1.5 33lb 0.216mm, PE2 41lb 0.242mm
- Made in Japan
We have used this braid for some time now and are so impressed by its strength, thinness, suppleness, and usage in windy conditions. It’s smooth and so thin yet very strong. We also like the high vis bright green colour which looks amazing spooled in high end reels. Made in Japan from high-quality fibres braided in a high-pitch process, Gosen 16 ply casting braid is an award-winning, high quality casting braid. Extremely thin for its diameter, this braid was designed to perform where ultra-long casts are required.
The GOSEN 16 ply braid is made from Toyobo fibers from the Izanas company in Japan. It is currently the only 16-ply on the market. This new Toyobo material is stronger than high grade Dyneema. The 16 strands make this line stronger than any 8-ply on the market, it is high in water resistance, has incredible knot strength, a high braiding density, it is extremely smooth, incredibly sensitive to bites, and is a great balance between stiff and soft line making it perfect for casting. The 16-ply manufacturing process makes this line perfectly round so it is forgiving on your line guides. The line is made in the GOSEN line factory in Japan.
The notable downside of this braid is its advertised breaking strain seems to be higher than its actual breaking strain. It’s also very expensive compared to other braids. When you mix those 2 things together of weaker than advertised breaking strain and high cost it will make you explore alternatives. I have used it for many years and rate it but even I know there are cheaper alternatives on the market with benefits.
Daiwa Saltiga 12 EX
- Price – $89 for 200 meter spool / $99 for 300 meter spool / $189 for 400 meter spool
- Available strength 13lb ( 0.6 ), 16lb ( 0.8 ), 22lb ( 0.10 ), 27lb ( 0.27 ), 31lb ( 0.15 ), 36lb ( PE 2 ), 44lb ( PE2.5 ), 55lb ( PE 3 ), 68lb ( PE 4 ), 88lb ( PE 5 ), 100lb ( PE 6 ), 120lb ( PE 8 )
- Made in Japan
Released in 2019 Daiwa Saltiga 12 EX is a top choice premium braid. It’s very round and subtle making it a pleasure to use when casting or battling a fish. Available in an extensive range of strengths and spools. Providing high-density braid with excellent abrasion resistance and strength. With 72% improved abrasion resistance, 20% more strength, an 18% more slippery surface and 30% less line stretch compared to other 8 braid premium PE lines, our 12 braid is the ultimate inline technology. By reducing the diameter and creating an ultra-smooth surface allows 12 braids to produce less friction/resistance on the guides and spool rim allowing for longer smoother casting, less noise, minimal water penetration and incredible sensitivity. Saltiga 12 is the ultimate heavy-duty jigging and casting line for big game fish. Colour-coded every 10, 5 and 1-meter increments to allow you full line control.
Gosen W Hard type 8 Ply
- Price – $49 for 150 meter spool
- Available strength 10lb ( 0.4 ), 12lb ( 0.5 ), 14lb ( 0.6 ), 16lb ( 0.8 ), 20lb ( 0.10 )
- Made in Japan
It’s affordable thin and smooth. It has become an incredibly popular option by bream anglers at the tournament and enthusiast level. Because the diameter is so thin it means you don’t need to fish with light breaking strain such as 4 or 6 pounds which we would have historically. Now you can fish with 10 or 12 pounds without compromising casting distance or subtility. It’s great for a whole range of species for bream through to squid and available in a wide range of strengths.
Sunline Cast Away Braid
- Price – $74 for 150 meter spool
- Available strength 10lb PE 0.6 ( 0.6 ), 12lb PE 0.8 ( 0.8 ), 16lb PE 1 ( 0.10 ), 20lb PE 1.2 ( 0.12 ), 25lb PE 1.5 ( 0.15 ), 30lb PE 2 ( 0.20 ), 40lb PE 2.5 ( 0.25 ),
- Made in Japan
Sunline Cast Away PE is an excellent choice at that mid-price point. This non-tangle braided line has 8 strands. This broad is smooth, casts really well, is resilient and is very quiet. The smooth surface and the hybrid construction offers excellent casting distance, accuracy and comfort with fewer line troubles. Cast Away PE is a low stretch, high sensitivity line with a high weight ratio. It suspends in water and provides excellent visibility in dark or light conditions and is well suited for inshore/light offshore lure fishing
MajorCraft Dangan BraidX
- Price – $87 for 300 meter spool
- Available strength 16lb PE 0.8, 20lb PE 1, 25lb PE 1.2, 30lb PE 1.5, 35lb PE 2, 45lb PE 2.5, 50lb PE 3, 65lb PE 4, 80lb PE 5
- Made in Japan
Majorcraft Dangan Braid X is another excellent mid-priced option. It is a smooth braid that has a very thin diameter. It comes in 300-meter spools in a multicolour and has introduced an 8-strand braided line. It covers a great range from 16lb with a very thin diameter of PE 0.8 through to 80lb. Braid X, Cross 8. An evolution of the original Dangan braid, the Cross 8 is an extremely strong fibre, custom twisted in, to deliver low stretch and higher sensitivity. Made of ultra-high strength Japanese polyethelyne fibre IZANAS. The advanced line technology, created with a unique ‘Gel Spinning Technology method’ uses micro fibres in each individual strand that is then woven together in an 8-strand pattern. It is then coated in an F60 material. The high-density manufacturing process produces a supple line that reduces tangling on the guides with the added benefit of improved sensitivity and a strong leader connection.
Unitika bream super PE JR
- Price – $34 for 150 meter spool
- Available strength 8lb ( 0.6 ), 10lb ( 0.8 ), 14lb ( 0.10 )
- Made in Japan
This braid has been on the market since 2014 and continues to be a popular choice. Its purpose made for light species such as bream and is very affordable without compromising on quality and has many wonderful qualities. It’s high vis, strong and incredibly thin. Allowing you to spool light reels with a higher pound line. Available in 10lb, 12lb and 14lb.
Daiwa J Braid Grand
- Price – $39 for 150-meter spool / $79 for 300-meter spool
- Available strength 6lb ( 0.6 ), 8lb ( 0.13 ), 10lb ( 0.15 ), 15lb ( 0.19 ), 20lb ( 0.23 ), 30lb ( 0.28 )
- Made in Japan
There have always been mixed reactions around Daiwa J Braid. Question marks around wind knots and strength. Recently Daiwa released a newer revision of their J braid product labelled Grand. The refreshed version is certainly an improvement it’s thinner, more subtle and less prone to wind knots. It’s also very affordable and a lot more widely available than others found at the majority of tackle stores. It’s smooth, thin, and a really good option for most fishing purposes.
Line – PE Rating – Diameter (mm)
6LB – PE 0.6 – 0.06, 8LB – PE 1 – 0.13, 10LB – PE 1.5 – 0.15, 15LB – PE 2 – 0.19, 20LB – PE 2.5 – 0.23, 30LB – PE 3 – 0.28, 40LB – PE 4 – 0.32, 50LB – PE 5 – 0.36, 65LB – PE 6 – 0.41, 80LB – PE 8 – 0.43, 100lb – PE 10 – 0.50, 120lb – PE 12 – 0.55
Daiwa J Braid Expedition
New in 2023 ( released during AFTA ) is Daiwa J-Braid Expedition. Built upon the enormous success of J-Braid Grand is a new and improved Expedition. It costs a little bit more but now has a silicon coating for extra smoothness. Basically one of the most popular braids in Australia got even better, using the same IZANAS fiber construction, but now featuring Daiwa’s Silicon “Coating PE” technology to create a slicker, smoother braid with hydrophobic properties that increase durability & enhance feel. J-BRAID EXPEDITION’s silicon coating means the braid does not absorb any water, or silt & sediment present in that water which is the #1 cause of braided line wear over time. By shedding the water it will last longer.
- Price – $49 for a 150-meter spool | $79 for a 300-meter spool | $129 for a 500-meter spool | $649 for a 3000-meter spool
- Made in Japan
- Line – PE Rating – Diameter (mm) 8lb #0.6, 10lb #0.8, 12lb #1, 15lb #1.2, 20lb #1.5, 25lb #2, 30lb #2.5, 40lb #3, 50lb #4, 60lb #5, 70lb #6, 90lb #8
- Colours – hi-vis orange & metered multi-color
- Spool sizes – 150m, 300m, 500m, and 3000m bulk spools
Sunline Siglon PEx8 ADV Braid
- Price – $49 for 150 meter spool / $89 300 meter spool
- Available strength 6lb ( 0.12 ), 8lb ( 0.13 ), 10lb ( 0.15 ), 12lb ( 0.17 ), 16lb ( 0.18 ), 18lb ( 0.20 ), 20lb ( 0.22 ), 24lb ( 0.24 ), 30lb ( 0.27 ), 35lb ( 0.29 )
- Made in Japan
I was always a little skeptical of the Sunline Siglon PE8 released in 2017. It was high vis and super thin at a good price point but I found the line would frey easily and often break under pressure. Recently sunline has released a refreshed version of their line labeled advances, featuring DRP deep resin processing where resin is filled into the center of the line. Making it 3 times more abrasion resistant than the previous Siglon. It also casts further and is smoother. The refreshed version is an excellent option that’s widely available.
YGX X-Braid Cord 8
A very surprising braid at an entry-level price point. Most cheap braids under $40 have a thick diameter. Not YGK X-Braid cord 8 its diameter is much thinner than competitors of a similar price point. High vis and ultra-thin is a brilliant choice for those on a budget. It doesn’t have the suppleness of a high-end braid but it’s very good for its price. YGK X-Braid Braid Cord has a smooth coating, which reduces friction against the guides increases the casting distance and improves the laying of the line on the reel. Eight-core cords are a versatile option to suit all fishing methods. YGK X-Braid Braid Cord X8 has a tight braid, high abrasion resistance, and high breaking load.
- Price – $39.95 for a 150-meter spool / $79.95 for a 300-meter spool
- Available strength 14lb ( 0.6 .128mm ), 16lb ( 0.8 .148mm ), 20lb ( 1.0 .165mm ), 30lb ( 1.5 .205mm ), 35lb ( 2 .235mm ), 50lb ( 3 .285mm ), 60lb, 70lb, 80lb, 100lb
Savage Gear Silencer II
- Price – $34 for 150 meter spool / $69 300 meter spool
- Available strength 6lb, 8lb, 10lb, 15lb, 20lb, 30lb, 50lb
In 2018 Savage Gear hit the market with Silencer braid in a flashy orange colour. It was one of the most affordable braid options on the market and had a large take-up. It did suffer from some issues including being prone to wind knots, and strange sizing. With spools of 120 meters and not 150 which is more common on the market and strange strengths such as 5.3lb, 8.2lb, 11.9lb. However, in 2020 Savage Gear has made some massive improvements with silencer II but at the same affordable price point. The line is now high vis yellow, thinner in diameter, less prone to wind knots, and comes in spools of 150 meters with sensible strengths 6lb, 8lb, 10lb, 15lb, 20lb, 30lb, 50lb and 300 meter spools of 10lb, 15lb, 20lb, 30lb, 50lb. certainly worth a try especially for those who are price-conscious.
Shimano Kairiki 8 braid
- Price – $34 for 150 meter spool / $69 300 meter spool
- Available strength 6lb ( 0.06 ), 8lb ( 0.10 ), 10lb ( 0.13 ), 15lb ( 0.16 ), 20lb ( 0.20 ), 30lb ( 0.23 ), 40lb ( 0.28 ), 50lb ( 0.32 ), 60lb ( 0.35 ), 80lb ( 0.42 ),
- Made in Japan
The Shimano Kairiki comes in 3 colours and 6 different strengths. However, we like the multicolour spools of 300 meters is an excellent choice for saltwater reels. The line is strong and reasonably priced compared to other high-end braids which can get costly when purchasing 300 meters worth. Available in 20lb, 30lb, 40lb, 50lb, 60lb and 80lb. The revised Kairiki 8 from Shimano, adopts a new VT construction method. Featuring 8 carriers and incorporating Japanese manufacturing. The new tight weave VT construction is created by applying high tension in opposing directions during the braiding process. In the VT Construction Method, fibre is weaved evenly at all angles resulting in a smoother finish, reduced diameter and a long cast. Additionally, the smooth finish creates less friction through the guides, minimizing cast noise and aids in a stealthier approach. The tight weave achieves enhanced sensitivity, resulting in a low stretch. These attributes make Kairiki 8 an excellent choice for finesse fishing, casting lures and tying knots where smoothness, sensitivity, and castability are all required to give that extra edge against your next encounter. The multi colouring isn’t quite as bright as some other multicolour lines on the market and we have noticed that the colouring does slowly wash away. This is also evident when you run the line through your fingers when spooling. That being said it’s a good choice for the price point.
You can find out more about this braid on Shimano Kairiki website
Nomad Pandora x8
Made for use on the famous Nomad Sportfishing charters by the team from Nomad Design. Years of testing have gone into making the ideal all-round braid for using for saltwater lure casting, jigging and trolling. Pandora braid has colour changes every 10m to allow for easier jigging and casting, but it is what you cannot see that makes Pandora braid special. The special Hydroslick coating and MicroWeave technology developed by Nomad Design make for a braid that is super abrasion resistant and durable, but also has very fine diameter and is very soft and supple for ease of casting.
Pandora is made from the highest quality Japanese PE fibre. The construction process is carefully monitored to ensure the perfect braiding process of these fibres and to ensure that Pandora Braid is the ultimate casting, trolling and jigging braid. With it’s mix of technology and rigorous testing in the toughest conditions on earth, you can trust that Pandora Braid will not let you down when it counts.
Available in a range of spool sizes and lb ratings for every application, there is a Pandora braid perfect for your next cast!
- 15lb Diameter is 0.18mm Nomad Design PE#1.5
- 20lb Diameter is 0.22mm Nomad Design PE#2
- 30lb Diameter is 0.29mm Nomad Design PE#3
- 40lb Diameter is 0.30mm Nomad Design PE#4
Owner Kizuna Broad PE X8
20lb PE#1.5, 26lb PE#2, 38lb PE#3, 49lb PE#4, 60lb PE#5, 89lb PE#8
We have been really impressed with the Owner Kizuna Broad PE X8 line. It’s thin in diameter and very strong. Compared to many at a similar price point, it offers a thinner diameter which is great, and comes in super chartreuse or multi colours. I have used this now for some time on my 5000, 6500 and 10,500 reels and have been quite impressed with the smoothness and strength,
New from Owner, Kizuna Broad PE utilizes tightly woven Izanas fibres to create a smooth and strong, high performance casting braid suitable for all estuary, inshore, and offshore techniques. Owner is well known for producing quality products out of Japan for the global angling market, and the new Kizuna Broad PE is just that. The Owner Kizuna Broad PE x8 Braided line is a quality-made line featuring ALB Construction and super breaking strength & flexibility with intentional superb stretch.
Product Features:
- – High quality 8 carrier braid
- – ALB (Anti Loosen Braided Construction)
- – Ultra-high strength PE fibre
- – Super smooth jigging braid
- – Made in Japan
Best Braid Honourable mentions
- Toray super strong 8x
- Seaguar PE X8 Lure Edition
- power Pro
- Fins Force 5
- Sufix 131
- Sufix 832
- Shimano Ocea
- Unitika light jigging
Additions or corrections
Thanks for reading Best Braid Fishing Line 2024 article. You can purchase these spools of braid at most fishing tackle stores. You can also see many fishing videos around Melbourne and Victoria. If you have any questions, corrections, suggestions or additions then please direct them to enquiries@fishingmad.com.au and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
